Dallas Cowboys Blog

A look at how the Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants match up

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Miles Austin (19) breaks away from the New York Giants defense after making a second half reception at Cowboys Stadium, Sunday, October 28, 2012. (Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News)

The Cowboys open the 2013 season against an old and familiar nemesis, the New York Giants. Dallas had a busy off-season, overturning its coaching staff, giving quarterback Tony Romo a $108 million contract extension, reshuffling its offensive line and switching play-callers. Will it help the Cowboys get over the hump after consecutive 8-8 seasons? What happens Sunday against the Giants will offer the first clues. Here is a look at how both NFC East rivals match up:

When the Cowboys run

The Cowboys’ ground attack was abysmal in 2012, accumulating 1,265 rushing yards – the lowest total during a 16-game season recorded in franchise history. Tailback DeMarco Murray will try to bounce back after a disappointing sophomore campaign. He’ll have a chance to do so against the Giants, the last team to allow a Cowboys player to run for more 100 yards in a single outing. The Giants’ defense, which surrendered 129.1 rushing yards per game last season, looks even more vulnerable because of a weak linebacker corps.

Edge: Cowboys

When the Cowboys pass

In 2012, Tony Romo was the engine of the Cowboys’ offense. He attempted more passes and threw for more yards in a single season than any other quarterback in franchise history. Romo will be counted on again to deliver victories and he’ll have a strong supporting cast with Pro Bowl tight end Jason Witten and budding receiver Dez Bryant, who looked dominant in the preseason. The Giants’ pass defense, which allowed 254.3 yards per game last season, looks weaker now that safety Stevie Brown is out for the year.

Edge: Cowboys

When the Giants run

Brandon Jacobs left the Giants via free agency in 2012. Ahmad Bradshaw signed with Indianapolis this past off-season. With the once-fearsome running back combination gone, the Giants are relying on David Wilson, a second-year player who gained only 358 yards last season. The Cowboys’ run defense should be better than it was at the end of last season, when linebackers Sean Lee and Bruce Carter were out with injuries. Both players are back and they form a strong nucleus in the middle of Dallas’ 4-3 defense.

Edge: Cowboys

When the Giants pass

Just as Romo is with the Cowboys, Eli Manning is the key component in the Giants’ offense. New York relies heavily on Manning’s arm and the hands of receivers Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz. But both wideouts were held in check by the Cowboys last season, making a combined 16 catches in two games. Still, there are question marks in Dallas’ secondary. Morris Claiborne didn’t play in the preseason. Safeties Barry Church and Will Allen, meanwhile, have plenty to prove in Dallas’ new Tampa 2 scheme.

Edge: Giants

Special teams

The Cowboys’ special teams were dreadful in the preseason, allowing a punt return for a touchdown, contributing two turnovers, and being on the wrong end of a blocked field goal. Dallas added reinforcements, signing Kyle Bosworth and trading for Edgar Jones last weekend. But these units are still cause for worry because they’ve yet to show they’re any good. The Giants, meanwhile, are breaking in a new kicker, Josh Brown.

Edge: Giants

Intangibles

AT&T Stadium may have a new name. But it’s still the same place where the Giants have yet to lose a game. The Cowboys’ NFC East rival has left with a victory in tow each of the four times it has visited Arlington. They have also handed the Cowboys some devastating defeats since Jerry Jones’ $1.2 billion palace opened. Until the Cowboys defeat Eli Manning and Co. at home, the Giants will have the mental edge in Texas.

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